Clarence House
Manchester
CubicWorks delivered the comprehensive refurbishment of Clarence House – a distinguished 19th century building in Manchester’s prestigious Albert Square Conservation Area. This complex heritage project transformed 26,500 sq ft across ground and five upper floors into premium CAT A and CAT A+ workspace while maintaining full building operations around existing tenants. Our sensitive approach created contemporary office space that fuses classical elegance with boutique hotel-inspired amenities, establishing one of Manchester’s most successful central office schemes.
Location
Manchester
Client
Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Size
2133m2
Duration
20 weeks
Heritage Building Transformation:
26,500 sq ft of CAT A and CAT A+ office space across ground and five upper floors
Listed building refurbishment within Albert Square Conservation Area constraints
Impressive remodelled entrance creating a luxury arrival experience
Comprehensive common parts scheme throughout the building
Heritage-sensitive services integration preserving period architectural features
Premium Amenity Creation:
New cycle and shower spaces within existing car park area maximizing building potential
Boutique reception refurbishment establishing hotel-like workspace ambiance
Contemporary building systems seamlessly integrated within historic fabric
Basement car parking optimization enhancing building amenities
Modern workspace infrastructure supporting flexible office solutions
Refurbishing Around Live Tenants
Clarence House presented a unique challenge – delivering a comprehensive refurbishment while maintaining full business operations for existing tenants. Most contractors struggle with occupied building refurbishments. We made it our strength.
Our tenant-focused approach solved complex challenges:
Zero business disruption – maintaining operations while upgrading around occupied floors
Communication excellence – weekly newsletters and regular tenant forums ensuring transparency
Heritage compliance – working within listed building and conservation area constraints
Phased delivery precision – coordinating works to minimize impact on daily operations
The CubicWorks Difference
People-Centered Approach: Our weekly newsletter and regular tenant forums weren’t just communication tools – they demonstrated genuine care for the people affected by our work. Building relationships, not just buildings.
Heritage Expertise: Working within the Albert Square Conservation Area required deep understanding of listed building requirements. Our team navigated these constraints while delivering contemporary functionality that attracts premium tenants.
Operational Excellence: The building now operates as one of Manchester’s most successful office schemes, with tenants praising the seamless blend of period elegance and modern amenities.
Clarence House now stands as one of Manchester’s premier boutique workspace destination. Located in the heart of the city’s central business district within the prestigious Albert Square Conservation Area, the building attracts businesses seeking exclusive office space with hotel-like amenities.
The transformation has created a truly distinctive workspace that commands premium rents while maintaining full occupancy. Our approach to tenant communication and phased delivery means existing businesses stayed, while new tenants chose Clarence House for its unique combination of heritage character and contemporary functionality.
Most importantly? Our tenant-focused delivery approach proved that complex refurbishments don’t have to disrupt business operations, setting a new standard for occupied building transformations.
When heritage meets hospitality in workspace design, extraordinary results follow. Clarence House demonstrates that 40+ years of heritage expertise, combined with genuine care for existing tenants, creates the most successful office transformations in Manchester’s competitive market.
CubicWorks
